MorningStar Farms Issues Urgent Recall Over Plastic Contamination Risk
When you reach for a bag of vegetarian chicken nuggets or plant-based sausage patties, the last thing you expect to find is plastic. Unfortunately, that's exactly the concern driving a significant new food safety announcement. MorningStar Farms, one of the most recognizable plant-based food brands in the United States, has voluntarily recalled two of its popular frozen products due to the possible presence of plastic pieces. The recall was announced on Monday, June 22, and published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). If you have either of the affected products in your freezer, food safety experts strongly urge you to stop consuming them immediately.
This recall is an important reminder that food safety concerns are not exclusive to meat products. Even plant-based and vegetarian foods can be subject to contamination during the manufacturing process, making it just as critical for vegetarians and vegans to stay informed about FDA recall announcements. Here's everything you need to know about the MorningStar Farms recall, which products are affected, how to identify them, and what steps you should take right now.
Which MorningStar Farms Products Are Being Recalled?
Two specific MorningStar Farms products have been pulled from shelves as part of this voluntary recall. Both items were distributed across the United States, Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica, meaning the geographic reach of this recall is significant. Consumers in all of these regions should check their freezers immediately.
MorningStar Farms Buffalo Chik'n Nuggets
The first recalled product is the 10.5-ounce bag of MorningStar Farms Buffalo Chik'n Nuggets. These are a fan-favorite among vegetarians and flexitarians who enjoy the taste and texture of buffalo-style chicken without the meat. The affected bags carry a UPC code of 000 28989 10110 5. Consumers should look for bags with a "best by" date of either July 7 or July 8, 2027. If your bag of Buffalo Chik'n Nuggets falls within those date ranges and matches that UPC code, it is part of this recall and should not be consumed.
MorningStar Farms Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties
The second recalled product is the 8-ounce bag of MorningStar Farms Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties, a popular breakfast staple for people looking to enjoy a savory, meat-free morning meal. The affected bags carry a UPC code of 000 28989 10094 8. The impacted batches have "best by" dates of July 5, July 6, or July 7, 2027. Again, if your bag matches both the UPC code and one of these date ranges, you should treat it as part of the recall.
What Is the Risk of Plastic Contamination in Food?
Plastic contamination in food is classified as a physical hazard by the FDA, and it is taken extremely seriously by food safety regulators. Consuming food that contains plastic fragments can pose a range of health risks depending on the size, shape, and hardness of the plastic pieces. Potential injuries include cuts or lacerations to the mouth, throat, or digestive tract, choking hazards — particularly for young children or the elderly — dental damage from biting down on hard plastic, and in more serious cases, internal injuries if sharp pieces are swallowed. Even small, seemingly harmless pieces of plastic can cause discomfort or more serious complications, especially in vulnerable populations. This is why the FDA and MorningStar Farms are urging consumers not to take any chances with the affected products.
How to Identify Recalled Products in Your Freezer
Identifying whether you have a recalled product is straightforward if you know what to look for. Here are the steps to check your freezer:
- Locate any bags of MorningStar Farms Buffalo Chik'n Nuggets (10.5 oz) or MorningStar Farms Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties (8 oz) in your freezer.
- Flip the bag over and locate the UPC code, typically printed near the barcode. For nuggets, look for 000 28989 10110 5. For sausage patties, look for 000 28989 10094 8.
- Check the "best by" date printed on the bag. Nuggets with best by dates of July 7 or July 8, 2027, and sausage patties with best by dates of July 5, 6, or 7, 2027, are part of the recall.
- If your product matches both the UPC code and the date range, do not consume it.
What Should You Do If You Have a Recalled Product?
If you discover that you have one or both of the recalled MorningStar Farms products, the FDA and food safety professionals recommend the following actions. First and foremost, do not eat the product, regardless of whether it looks or smells normal. Plastic contamination may not be visible to the naked eye in every case. Dispose of the product safely, or return it to the store where it was purchased. Most retailers will issue a full refund for recalled food items even without a receipt. You can also contact MorningStar Farms or the FDA directly for further guidance on refunds or to report any adverse health effects you or a family member may have experienced after consuming the product.
If you or someone in your household has already eaten the recalled product and is experiencing symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, mouth or throat pain, abdominal discomfort, or any other unusual symptoms, seek medical attention promptly and inform your healthcare provider about the possible plastic contamination.
MorningStar Farms and the FDA: A Voluntary Recall
It's worth noting that this is a voluntary recall, meaning MorningStar Farms proactively identified the issue and chose to act in the interest of consumer safety before being ordered to do so by a regulatory authority. The FDA published the recall announcement on June 22, giving it official visibility and ensuring that retailers, distributors, and consumers could be informed as quickly as possible. Voluntary recalls are generally viewed as a positive sign of corporate responsibility, as the brand is prioritizing public health over any potential reputational or financial cost.
MorningStar Farms has not publicly disclosed the specific source of the plastic contamination or at which stage of the manufacturing or packaging process it occurred. However, the company's decision to act swiftly and transparently is an important step in protecting its customers.
Staying Safe: Tips for Plant-Based Consumers
This recall is a useful reminder that all consumers — including those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets — should stay in the habit of checking for food recalls regularly. The FDA maintains an up-to-date list of all current recalls and safety alerts on its official website at fda.gov. Subscribing to FDA recall email alerts is a simple and effective way to be notified about food safety issues before they reach your dinner table. Additionally, always inspect food packaging before purchase and before preparation, looking for any signs of damage, tampering, or irregularities.
Final Takeaway
The MorningStar Farms recall of Buffalo Chik'n Nuggets and Hot & Spicy Sausage Patties is a serious food safety matter that all consumers, especially those in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Costa Rica, should take seriously. Check your freezer today using the UPC codes and best by dates listed above. If you have an affected product, don't eat it — return it or dispose of it and seek a refund. Your health and safety are always worth the extra minute it takes to verify your food is safe to eat.